Diesels
Rapid advances in engine technology have seen the popularity of diesel cars soar. Britain’s motorways are packed with businessmen and women charging up the overtaking lanes in typically German or French Turbo Diesel company cars, while in towns and cities diesel powered taxis are king. If you’re trying to make up your mind between diesel and petrol engines, here are some pros and cons!
Better Fuel Economy. Clearly the biggest benefit of ‘oil burners’, some diesels can offer around 55 miles to the gallon; just compare that to a petrol car’s 35mpg.
Lower Maintenance Costs. Diesel engines are rugged by design but diesel itself is also an excellent lubricant, so wear and tear on the engine is significantly reduced.
More Reliable. There’s less to go wrong with a diesel engine, as there are fewer parts and fewer electrical systems. Because diesel engines use ‘combustion ignition’, they don’t even have spark plugs!
Rapid Acceleration. The days of ‘slow’ diesels are far behind us. Despite being heavier, modern Turbo Diesels deliver explosive bursts of torque that most petrol models can’t match. This torque can be further increased with the addition of an after market ‘performance chip’!
Higher Resale Value. While a new diesel car will cost more (typically around £1,000 more), it is also likely to hold it’s value better than a petrol and fetch a respectable price when you want to change it.
So, what’s not to like? There are a few key points which keep true Petrolheads away:
Diesel Clatter! While diesel drivers maintain that their cars are now as quiet as unleaded versions whilst at cruising speeds, the fact is that diesels are still noisy! Massively improved soundproofing has not completely masked the racket produced by even the most refined TD. You might miss the gentle, smooth purr of a petrol engine when you drive a diesel around town with the windows open!
All torque, then nothing! Even the most stubborn Petrolhead will respect the initial burst of torque afforded by a TD but the low-end nature of this sudden acceleration can become frustrating. Most Turbo Diesels tend to run out of torque, very suddenly, at around 4,000 revs. Petrol engines develop power far more smoothly and consistently, while continuing to deliver power way beyond 5,000 revs.
Black smoke. Diesels still give off plenty of smoke, particularly when accelerating hard.
Dirty and smelly! Modern oil burners are more efficient in terms of mpg, but diesel itself is a much dirtier fuel than unleaded petrol, producing higher emissions. As for the smell, it’s advisable to wear the plastic gloves provided by petrol stations when filling up your car! If you don’t, your hands may smell of diesel fumes for hours!
While this debate rages on, the likes of BMW and Mercedes are building more advanced diesel engines year on year, with the outstanding BMW M5 even being challenged on performance by it’s 3.5 litre diesel counterpart!
Ultimately it’s a question of preference. The soothing hum of a petrol engine may be hard to leave behind, but doesn’t that 55mpg sound mighty tempting?